My dumbass parents doubt evolution

[The Grand Nudger]

OK we can use a monkey versus gravity

OR- as Daniel suggested, we can use a monkey vs a human. Carelessly exchanging the actors and backdrops in your example practically ensures you won't be able to draw a meaningful point or criticism. Especially if you want to claim this is some sort of "scientific this or that". You have to keep your constants.

rather than a man versus gravity if you like. No biggie. Gravity cant and doesnt ''decide'' to pick up rocks. Are you claiming that monekys and rocks are both equally lacking in volition?

No, I think (if I may be so bold Daniel) that he is suggesting that both monkeys and human beings are equally capable of performing this act you feel is scientific proof of a force you call a soul. Why do I think this? Because it's exactly what his example shows, and exactly what his example was intended to show. Now, we could just roll with it, when presented with this example..and say "Okay..yeah, it appears that monkeys also possess this mysterious force..this soul. But we can't do that can we..because we aren't trying to reach a conclusion..we already have one. This isn't exactly uncommon in discussions of faith...but it is pretty bad form if we're claiming science.

How would you know? Who told you that? Can you speak to mushrooms?

I would actually ask how one knew that fungi didn't have free will, if it exists and if it's some mysterious property of a soul and not the effect (or illusion) of a completely natural structure like a central nervous system. If it's the former, as opposed to the latter...there's nothing that we know about fungus that can rule out a soul - once a soul has been ruled in..of course. That they are productive should be obvious...happy...meh..again, if it's all souls then why not? Besides, fungus can lift a rock with your lever too, just takes them longer to accomplish it. Under a specific set of conditions...actually..I can practically guarantee you that if no one else ever gets around to lifting that rock..fungus will handle the job.

You created a scenario in which the scientific proof of your "mysterious force" was little more than interaction between two objects. A rock could fall on your lever and lift a rock....as yet another hilarious example. In the end, this is all fun and games though, because nothing about the example and subsequent comments you offered is "scientific"...even in the loosest sense of the word.